La littoralisation dans l’Ouest algérien : analyse multiscalaire des interactions hommes-espaces-écosystèmes

Abstract

The environmental degradation of the west coast of Algeria has reached alarming proportions. The causes are mainly related to coastal development through rapid urbanization and excessive exploitation of natural resources. In this paper, the study of coastal development will be considered both at the local and regional level. First, the analysis will deal with the evolution of coastal development in the western region of Algeria. This quantitative and temporal analysis will provide information on the importance of the coastline for its hinterland. After, through case studies, the article will consider different forms of competition between actors, the exploitation of natural resources and the failure of management tools in the sustainable development of coastal areas.

Keywords

• western Algeria
• coastal development
• urbanization
• pressure on resources
• ecosystem
• usage conflict